Opening of Austrian Embassy’s new offices in Podgorica

"Austria is well established in the EU’s next accession candidate, Montenegro"

Podgorica, 5 October 2010 – Well equipped for the future, and suited for further developing and intensifying the already very good relations in the interests of both our countries,” stated Secretary General Ambassador Johannes Kyrle, describing the new facilities at the Austrian Embassy in Podgorica. “Over the past few years Austria has made direct foreign investments in the amount of some 300 million euros, and the average annual trade volume is over 50 million euros – on a per capita basis this figure is higher than for most other Balkan countries. In times of austerity it is only logical – as well as a win-win situation for both sides - if we ensure that the infrastructure of co-operation is facilitated through state-of-the-art equipment,” continued Kyrle.

Austria’s new offices serve multi-functional needs: they are a point of contact for citizens, a place of information and exhibition, as well as a venue in which people are introduced to Austrian art and culture through multi-media presentations. Moreover, these facilities constitute the hundredth mission to be equipped with the ELISA electronic information and file processing system. Now in a position to act as Austria’s visiting card, the Embassy may meet all its obligations in a most professional manner.

Austria and Montenegro are linked by a common history, which is perceived in a positive light, as well as a great number of bilateral projects. Existing and potential economic relations in such fields as tourism and water management are important in ensuring a dynamic future. Montenegro’s successful process of accession to the European Union is clearly supported by Austria.

Both countries share similar or the same perspectives on regional, European and international issues, and co-operate closely at a multilateral level. The quality of their relations is also expressed through mutual visits at the governmental level. Today, Austria is deemed the third most important investor in Montenegro, with Austrian companies being particularly active in such spheres as financial services, construction and trade.